Amazon Discoveries: Search for the Pink Dolphin

Experience the Amazon's unique ecosystem and incredible biodiversity first hand! Board the Manatee for an 8-day adventure that begins and ends in Coca. Your journey includes the chance to see the famous pink river dolphin, visit local communities, kayak, watch for wildlife, and much more.

Activities

Trip Type

Activity Level

Trip Snapshots

Day 1 Depart Quito | Arrive in Coca | Embark on Cruise

Depart from Quito in the morning and after a 30 minute flight arrive at Francisco de Orellana (Coca). At the airport, meet your naturalist guides who accompany you on a short transfer to the Napo River port. Embark on a motorized canoe ride downstream for approximately an hour and a half. During the trip listen to important information about the region. Once on board the M/V Manatee, enjoy lunch and begin navigating down the Napo River. In the evening, there is a welcome cocktail and a presentation about the trip, and an optional nocturnal forest walk.

Day 2 Yasuni National Park

In the morning, disembark for the first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience, where you can see and learn about the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon.

After lunch, the ship navigates to one of the most pristine and rarely explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman, and anaconda. Also be on the look out for river turtles, various species of monkey, and hoatzins. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that reveals the beauty of a lush jungle world. A glamping option is available to those travelers who wish to participate - please inquire for more information.

Day 3 Visit to a Local Community | Island Exploration

After breakfast, visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where you have the opportunity to interact with children in the area. After lunch on the ship, take a moment to relax while the boat navigates upstream. During this time, the crew offers a lecture and documentary screening. In the afternoon, explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River.

Day 4 Observation Tower | Limoncocha Biological Reserve

In the morning, visit an observation tower that has been built against a giant kapok tree. From the top, enjoy an amazing view of the Amazon Basin from above the treetops.

In the afternoon, tour the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and a variety of monkey species have been recorded. This activity extends into the evening, when you may have the chance to see a black caiman. Return to the boat for dinner.

Day 5 Indillama and Napo River | Yasuni National Park

Today, choose from two different activity options that allow you to search for amazing wildlife. You may kayak though the Indillama River, one of the Napo River's effluents that goes into Yasuni National Park. On the other hand, you can choose to go in a canoe ride through the Napo River. It's up to you!

Day 6 Panacocha Biological Corridor

Continue down the Panayacu River delta. Stop for an exploratory canoe trip and experience the sights and sounds of this fascinating reserve. Seek out pink river dolphins and common squirrel monkeys. Flooded by white waters, the rivers and lakes which comprise the Pañacocha ecosystem provide the perfect habitat for water monkey fish, white caiman, and the infamous piranha. Enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, disembark and hike the trails that circle the area.

Day 7 Parrot's Clay Licks | SaniWarmi | Yasuni National Park

Head over to the Parrot Clay Licks, a great place to witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in the Amazon. In the afternoon, visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women dicuss their customs, cuisine, and everyday life.

After lunch, make a stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre, and end with an evening walk through the rainforest (depending on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions).

Day 8 Disembark in Coca | Fly Quito

1 Breakfast

Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream takes around an hour and a half.

Notes

Itinerary based on Friday start. Monday start date will have a different order. Departures are scheduled for every Friday and Monday.

NOTE: The detailed itinerary above is a standard model of operation. The ship company intends to offer everything as planned, but it is important to note depending on technical or operational difficulties beyond control, the M/V Manatee Amazon Cruise reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice.

This program includes:
- Transportation to and from the Coca airport and M/V Manatee
- Accommodation on board
- Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide
- Unlimited supply of hot water, coffee and tea
- All meals on board
- Admission to communities and parks

Program does not include:
- Transportation to and from Quito
- Air Ticket Quito - Coca - Quito ($200 per person; subject to change)
- Community entrance fee ($80 per person)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Wi-Fi Internet
- Personal Expenses
- Other services not specified in the program

We Love to Talk Travel

We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.